Michigan Wolverines Give NCAA “Middle Finger,” Chargers Jim Harbaugh To Be Honorary Captain In Season Opener

Current Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, formerly of the Michigan Wolverines, was just given a fairly “severe” punishment from the NCAA .

This had nothing to do with the Connor Stallions investigation, but instead with allegations stemming from recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period a few years back. Harbaugh served a 3-game suspension at the beginning of the 2023 season due to these allegations, but on Wednesday, the NCAA brought down the hammer with a one-year suspension and a four-year show-cause penalty.

The irony is that since Jim Harbaugh no longer coaches college and is the current coach of the Chargers, this “punishment” is all for show and means nothing.

Jim Harbaugh Receiving This Suspension Is Pointless

Harbaugh’s attorney, Tom Mars, clearly saw the irony and hilarity in all of this as well. He said in a statement:

“The way I see it, from Coach Harbaugh’s perspective, today’s COI decision is like being in college and getting a letter from your high school saying you’ve been suspended because you didn’t sign the yearbook,” Mars said.

“If I were in Coach Harbaugh’s shoes and had an $80 million contract as head coach of the Chargers, I wouldn’t pay any attention to the findings of a kangaroo court which claims to represent the principles of the nation’s most flagrant, repeat violator of the federal antitrust laws.”

Jim Harbaugh’s attorney Tom Mars

Well, now it appears that the University of Michigan is playing into the pettiness in its own way.

Related: Los Angeles Chargers Receiver Can Solidify WR3 With Strong Preseason

According to the NCAA statement, Harbaugh is banned from all athletic activities at a college for the next four seasons.

In the ultimate “middle finger” move, the University of Michigan has named Harbaugh an Honorary Captain for the season opener of the 2024 season against Fresno State. So regardless if the NCAA will “allow” him there or not, he will be standing at mid-field for the coin toss and will undoubtedly receive a standing ovation from the 100,000+ at the Big House.

The NCAA is clearly in a power struggle to try and save face, and this is just another example that the Universities and Conferences really don’t care.

More must-reads:

• Chargers Preseason Game To Offer 1st Look At Promising New Quarterback
• Chargers Receiver Can Solidify WR3 Role With Strong Preseason, Quentin Johnston Odd Man Out